CALENDAR: OLA Fiesta, Relay For Life and more

May 07, 2015 3:01 PM

Friday, May 8

OLA FIESTA The OLA Fiesta at Our Lady of the Assumption Church returns to Claremont for a 68th year on May 8, 9 and 10 at 435 Berkeley Ave. Historically among the most popular events in the city, the fiesta attracts 15,000 visitors over the weekend to its renowned international food booths, big carnival rides and live entertainment, including evening headliners The Ravelers (Friday), The ACE Band (Saturday) and The Way Back Machine (Sunday). Ethnic food is prepared by OLA’s own Hispanic, Vietnamese and Filipino communities. Quieter, afternoons attractive to young families and seniors feature a Christian band, The Falconers (Saturday), and Sgt. Peppers Beatles Tribute Band (Sunday). Admission is free. Hours are Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8 p.m. Discount ride tickets are available through the parish office at (909) 626-3596 until that Friday at noon. Visit olaclaremont.org for details.

DEMOCRATIC CLUB Jerry Fenning, local resident and author, will discuss a method to stop importing oil along with the obstacles preventing the solution. The luncheon cost is $17. Attending the program is free and open to the public. Luncheon buffet begins at noon. Program begins at 1 p.m. Darvish Restaurant, 946 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont. (909) 626-8122.

FRIDAY NIGHTS LIVE Enjoy free live music throughout the Village from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 9

RELAY FOR LIFE The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. Today, with the support of thousands of volunteers, the American Cancer Society is helping save more than 400 lives a day. The Claremont/La Verne event takes place at 10 a.m. at Claremont High School, 1601 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont with the theme “Relay Around the World.”

BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL Kick off the Butterfly Pavilion season with family activities and educational fun. Included with general admission or membership. The Butterfly Pavilion, which runs through August 2, combines science education with interactive fun to teach visitors about California native butterflies and conservation. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont. (909) 625-8767.

BOUQUET WORKSHOP A hands-on workshop on making a native-plant themed gift. Production manager Antonio Sanchez will lead participants to gather flowers and foliage fresh from the garden, and then help you arrange it into a lovely bouquet to take home in an upcycled vase. $25 per bouquet: register for the number of bouquets you wish to make. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont. (909) 625-8767.

OPHELIA’S JUMP THEATER Espíritu Gitano, celebrating the flavor, music and passion of Spain featuring performances by some of LA’s top Flamenco artists, musicians, singers and selections of the translated works of Federico Garcia Lorca. This one-night-only event is a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day Eve with tapas and sangria surrounded by a gathering of professional international talent for a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. For ages 10 and older. This special event ticket of $35 includes the tapas selection and a glass of sangria or non-alcoholic beverage. Additional wine will be available for purchase through donation. 8 p.m. Women’s Club of Claremont, 343 W. Twelfth St., Claremont. (909) 624-1464.

SCRIPPS FINE ARTS “Home Savings and the Origins of the Millard Sheets Studio.” Adam Arenson, Associate Professor of History and Chair of Urban Studies at Manhattan College, will present his research on the art, architecture and urban context of the Home Savings and Loan buildings designed by the Millard Sheets Studio in Claremont. The event begins at noon with a “wine and welcome.” For luncheon reservations at 12:30 p.m., send a check for $25 to Scripps College (with FAF in the memo), Box 1236, Claremont, CA 91711. The program at 1:15 p.m. is free and open to the public. Mallot Commons’s Hampton Room,?1030 Columbia Ave.,?Claremont.?(951) 201-9439.

SUSTAINABLE CLAREMONT GARDEN CLUB “How to Grown and Enjoy Your Plumeria.” Can a plant be beautiful, fragrant and drought tolerant? Armstrong Garden Center associate and landscape designer John Schneckloth will talk about how Plumeria, or Frangipani to some, can be grown to thrive in California’s current climate. Free to the public. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Pilgrim Place’s Porter Hall, 721 Harrison Ave., Claremont. (909) 621-6381.

YESTERYEAR’S CAFÉ Yesteryear’s Memory Café is a lunch gathering for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias along with their families and caregivers. It is a time to exchange ideas, thoughts and experiences; share laughter, music, art and just enjoy each other’s good company. For age 40 and over. Free to the public. Claremont Place, 120 W. San Jose Ave., Claremont. Call (909) 447-5259 for event times.

Friday, May 15

FRIDAY NIGHTS LIVE Enjoy free live music throughout the Village from 6 to 9 p.m.

BERNARD FIELD STATION VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Help maintain, improve and study the unique ecological resources of the Bernard Field Station. All who care about our local environment may join in; no experience is needed. Volunteers remove introduced weeds and invasive brush, clear trails, pick up trash, assist with ecological monitoring and carry out other activities that facilitate study and research at the field station. View the BFS website for this day’s specific activity. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and closed-toed shoes. Instructions, tools and supplies will be provided, but it’s a good idea to bring water and sunscreen. Volunteers who are not Claremont Colleges employees or students must sign a waiver of liability. Waivers for minors need to be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Download the appropriate form, sign it and bring it with you. Forms will also be available when volunteers arrive. 10 a.m. to noon. Bernard Field Station, 1400 N. Amherst Ave., Claremont. (909) 625-2223.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA Join experienced herbalist William Broen for a garden walk and presentation featuring medicinal and edible plants native to California. Participants will learn both traditional and modern plant uses of approximately 30 species, as well as relevant folklore associated. Program is limited to 20 participants. Bring a sack lunch or snack and a water bottle. For ages 12 and over. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $25. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont. (909) 625-8767.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL & CONCERT The Our Lady of the Assumption Church LA chapter of Pax Christi will join La Verne’s Church of the Brethren and other local social justice groups hosting an ice cream social. Music will be provided by Steve Rushing Wind & the Native Groove. Beneficiaries of the event are the Christian and Muslim victims of Boko Haram in Nigeria. The pastor of the La Verne congregation is Nigerian-born Susan Boyer. The national Church of the Brethren aims to raise one million dollars for victims of terrorism with help from supporters of all faiths. Other sponsors are the Progressive Christians United and the Peace with Justice Center of the Pomona Valley. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. No admission or cover charge. OLA, 435 Berkeley Ave., Claremont. For details visit brethren.org/nigeria. Local information is available from Connie Weir at (909) 596-4460.